The Intergenerational Equity Mechanism (IEM) incorporates an increase to 0.9 % in contributions for 2026, which will mean payroll deductions of up to €95 per year for those who contribute at the maximum base. The impact will be felt by workers and the self-employed, although the surcharge will not generate additional pension rights.
From the January 1, 2026, the MEI - a mechanism designed to strengthen the pension fund in the face of aging - will suffer a new increase: its rate will go from the current 0.8 % to 0.9 %, which implies additional surcharges to contributions for common contingencies for companies, employees and self-employed workers.
How will that 0.9 % be distributed?
- Businessmen will assume 0.75 % of the surcharge.
- Employed workers will contribute 0.15 % additional.
- Self-employed They will assume the total of that 0.9 %, since they themselves finance both parts.
For those who pay for the estimated maximum base for 2026, the net deduction from your payroll could reach €95 per yearFor example, with a base salary of €24,000, the overall increase would be €216, with €180 paid by the company and €36 paid by the employee.
Does it affect the calculation of pensions?
No. The MEI is a surcharge intended exclusively to strengthen the pension system, without generating additional rights or increasing amounts at retirement.
Escalation until 2029
The rule provides that the MEI will continue its gradual escalation:
- 2027: 1.0 % (0.83 % company / 0.17 % worker)
- 2028: 1.1 % (0.92 / 0.18)
- 2029: 1.2 % (1.0 / 0.2)
After 2029, that rate could remain constant according to current forecasts.
Institutional and business reaction
The Ministry of Social Security maintains that the MEI is a necessary tool to ensure the sustainability of the system in the face of the demographic deficit and rising pension spending. Business organizations, for their part, have warned that it represents a further increase in labor costs, which could hinder job creation.
English 
Spanish